Clinical Nutrition Major

Clinical Nutrition Major

In a climate where advice about healthy foods and nutritious diets seems to be changing every day, a science-based approach helps to sort through the conflicting information and make clear recommendations about wise food choices. The clinical nutrition program prepares students with an interest in nutrition to work with the public in a wide range of situations, from government-funded food programs to hospital diet planning. This major fulfills the academic requirements for admission into a dietetics internship or the equivalent, which must be completed before qualifying for registration as a dietitian.

Real World Outcomes:

Clinical nutrition is the only major that fulfills the academic requirements for a career as a registered dietitian, and many clinical nutrition majors enter careers in dietetics. This field includes traditional settings such as clinics and hospitals, but increasing numbers of graduates are finding employment in such areas as state and federal nutrition programs, nutrition education, Cooperative Extension work and the Peace Corps. The focus on public contact makes this major an excellent choice for students seeking to use scientific knowledge for the tangible betterment of people's lives.

Requirements:

During your first two years of study, you will complete a series of foundation courses in natural science and social science. At the upper division level, you will take nutrition classes equivalent to those required for the nutrition science major, but you will also study such subjects as food service management, education, sociology and communication skills to prepare for work with the public.